aardvarkash10 958 Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 In the market for a handheld for backup and the Yellow Bag of Panic. For me, criteria include selectable power output up to 5w, rechargable from a 12v supply, ease of operation (big buttons, big screen), bright body colour. Float and waterproof obviously. What are your criteria, and what are you using? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fish 0 Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 I'm curious, I've got 3 VHF's and 3 PLB's, but are you going to be sailing out of cell phone range? Channel 16 is so full of fluff now I didn't turn my VHF on on the last 7 day cruise. We can spend a pile of $$$ and really clutter out boats up with things that are a good idea, but never actually get used. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ex Machina 365 Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 I’ve got a Uniden budget yellow job that does all of the above , I think ? critereia is it meets Cat3 and we use it for listening to race comms during starts . Range is woeful though we couldn’t raise a boat in a recent race that was only 5 miles away on 5W setting …wouldn’t recommend it in an emergency situation unless it’s for close range . 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aardvarkash10 958 Posted January 19, 2022 Author Share Posted January 19, 2022 39 minutes ago, Fish said: We can spend a pile of $$$ and really clutter out boats up with things that are a good idea, but never actually get used. I agree fish. But it's one of those things that is relatively cheap and should be in the grab bag. We don't use VHF much - TR, Weather channel is about it. But if I need to make THAT call, I want the gear to do it with. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
harrytom 642 Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 2 minutes ago, aardvarkash10 said: I agree fish. But it's one of those things that is relatively cheap and should be in the grab bag. We don't use VHF much - TR, Weather channel is about it. But if I need to make THAT call, I want the gear to do it with. Make the call from the main vessel,then grab your bag and wait till someone is in sight,then fire off a flare. Had uniden,suppose to be water proof,Biggest waste of money,not even shower proof. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
eruptn 95 Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 Have an older Uniden Atlantis 250, not sure how water proof it is but it has given several years of service. Get a 5-6W model, not a3W model. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ed 143 Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 Icom IC M25, floats, bulletproof and charges off of micro usb so no need for a stupid proprietary charging base or cable 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wheels 543 Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 I agree, Icom is the best. Clear sound which is most important to me. Rugged and well made. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Young Entertainer 59 Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 plus1 for the icom, would not get another cobra as i could never get it loud enough without putting it to my ear Quote Link to post Share on other sites
waikiore 399 Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 Yes Icom also had one for over 20 years still works fine,thats why the superyachts all use them. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lindsay 33 Posted February 11, 2022 Share Posted February 11, 2022 You get what you pay for. Icom is expensive but goes for many hours on a charge, is long lasting and loud and clear. I’ve had cheapies in the past that were definitely deficient. 1 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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